Uzbekistan has officially become the 26th country to adopt the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), marking a significant step in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of travelers and elevating global safety standards in tourism.
The ICPT serves as a comprehensive global framework designed to protect tourists, particularly in emergencies, while ensuring their rights and responsibilities as consumers are upheld. Uzbekistan’s adherence to this code strengthens its ongoing efforts to enhance legal protections for tourists and further aligns the country with global initiatives to improve international tourism standards in collaboration with UN Tourism.
Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing tourist protection. “We must continue to work collaboratively to strengthen and expand these frameworks, ensuring that all tourists, wherever they travel, are protected and safe,” said Abdukhakimov. “Uzbekistan is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and quality for all visitors to our country. The International Code for the Protection of Tourists not only enhances the rights and protections of travelers but also strengthens trust in Uzbekistan as a welcoming and reliable destination. Our alignment with these global principles will further support our vision of a modern, hospitable, and competitive tourism sector that benefits both visitors and local communities.”
Uzbekistan has long been a leader in advancing international tourism standards. The country played a key role in the establishment of the Committee for the Development of an International Safe Tourism Code, and in December 2024, Uzbekistan was unanimously elected as the Chair of the Committee during its inaugural meeting.
Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, highlighted the significance of these developments. “The global and interconnected nature of the tourism sector makes the harmonization of international standards even more vital. Both the ICPT and the future International Safe Tourism Code are invaluable tools in this endeavor,” she said.
Uzbekistan’s adoption of the ICPT not only boosts its reputation as a safe and secure destination but also contributes to the broader global effort to create a standardized, safer tourism environment for travelers worldwide.
